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Archive · August 23, 2026

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Story 01

SEC Proposes Comprehensive Crypto Asset Rules to Attract Institutional Investors

The SEC has unveiled proposed regulations targeting crypto assets, aiming to clarify the framework for investment contracts involving digital assets. This move could lower barriers for institutional investors, but the SEC's new rules raise compliance costs for crypto exchanges and asset managers. Smaller crypto exchanges and startups may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially leading to industry consolidation as only well-capitalized firms can afford the increased regulatory burden.

Source: Finextra
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Draw $2.6B in Inflows, Fueling Issuer Competition

Bitcoin and ether ETFs saw $2.6 billion in inflows last week, the strongest since October and triple the usual volume. This surge is likely to prompt more asset managers to launch crypto ETFs, intensifying competition and drawing further regulatory attention. ETF issuers now compete on fees, liquidity, and product structure, while the influx of capital signals growing mainstream adoption among both retail and institutional investors.

Source: The Block
№03

Visa Expands Stablecoin Settlement to Merchant Acquirers in APAC

Visa has expanded its stablecoin settlement capabilities to merchant acquirers in the Asia-Pacific region, enabling direct USDC settlements on the Solana and Ethereum blockchains. This development allows acquirers to bypass traditional banking rails for settlement, potentially reducing costs and settlement times for merchants. Banks and fintechs in APAC may accelerate stablecoin adoption to remain competitive in cross-border payments.

Source: Finextra
№04

Solana Cuts Mainnet Slot Time to 350ms, Targets Faster Blockchain Settlement

Solana has reduced its mainnet slot time to 350 milliseconds, with a goal of reaching 200ms for transaction confirmation. This technical upgrade positions Solana as a leader in blockchain speed, potentially attracting developers and payment projects seeking low-latency settlement. Competing blockchains like Ethereum and Avalanche may need to accelerate their own scaling solutions to keep pace, as payment processors evaluate blockchain rails for real-time use cases.

Source: The Block
№05

AI-Driven Crypto Crime Surges 40%, Forcing Cybersecurity Rethink

TRM Labs reports a 40% increase in AI-driven crypto crime, with hackers leveraging AI to exploit vulnerabilities in digital asset platforms. This escalation is likely to drive demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions and prompt regulatory scrutiny of AI risk controls. Crypto exchanges and wallet providers must invest in AI-powered defenses or risk reputational and financial damage, as regulators consider stricter oversight of AI in financial services.

Source: The Block
The Long Memory
“The Philippines' first mobile payments system, launched in 2009 via SMS, helped spark the country's rapid mobile wallet adoption—now among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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